Tuesday, 5 September 2017

One of the outcomes of my August 2017 weekend
on the English language was a request to have further days focusing on topics
in greater depth. As most enquiries have been made in relation to the following
topics, I will now host the following series for 2018. I haven't ruled out the possibility of repeating the general course, or covering other themes, but will wait for interest to be expressed before doing so.

Friday, 16 February
(during half-term), 9.30--4.00

Grammar Day

Introduction to English grammar; grammar in child language
acquisition; grammar in relation to reading and writing; grammar clinic
(dealing with questions raised by participants).

Wednesday, 30 May
(during half-term), 9.30--4.00

History of the
Language Day

Introduction to the history of the English language; Old
English, Middle English, Early Modern English; change in pronunciation,
grammar, and vocabulary; change and variation today.

Saturday and Sunday,
28-29 July, 9.30--4.00 with an evening film
or performance event

Shakespeare's
Language Weekend

Introduction to Shakespeare's use of vocabulary, grammar,
metre, orthography; his linguistic creativity; his influence on modern English;
the second day will be an introduction to original pronunciation, followed by a
workshop in which participants will be trained to use the accent for themselves
(and receive a certificate affirming they have taken such a course).

Cost: per day £150;
Early Bird £125 - includes morning and afternoon refreshment and buffet lunch

Certificates of attendance will be provided if required.

Booking

Because of the limited size and facilities of the venue,
places are limited to 50, so early booking is advised. An Early Bird discount
is available, up to two months before the event. People should book by mail to
the Ucheldre Centre, Millbank, Holyhead LL65 1TE, or directly through
boxoffice@ucheldre.org, or by phone 01407 763361. They will be sent a
registration form (via email or post, as requested) to be returned to the
Centre along with payment.

One- or two-day bespoke courses at mutually convenient times
can be programmed upon request (cost: £5K per diem), with the content decided
by the group (maximum 25 people). Six months notice is usually required.

All events are held in support of the Ucheldre Centre, a
community arts venue in Holyhead, and a registered charity.

Saturday, 3 June 2017

One never knows, with a new idea like this, whether it will appeal, or whether the people who have asked for it will actually come, given all the uncertainties in life that have to be managed. The purpose of the Early Bird registration was to establish whether, as they say, we have a 'goer'. That period is now over, and I'm pleased to report that we do.
I'm told by the Ucheldre Centre that enough people took advantage of Early Bird registration to make the event viable. So it's definitely on, and I'm very much looking forward to it. It looks to be a very mixed group, with attendees coming from as far away as Japan, along with several English-language teachers from the UK. The variety of backgrounds will I think add greatly to the occasion, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Details about the event can be found in the previous post. Places can be reserved by contacting the Ucheldre Centre Box Office: boxoffice@ucheldre.org
phone: (+44)
1407 763361 (10 am - 5 pm weekdays, 2 - 5 pm Sundays)

Monday, 6 March 2017

I've frequently been asked to put on a summer course for
people unable to attend the various lectures I give to schools, literary
festivals, and the like, and an opportunity has now arisen to do so. The
Ucheldre community arts centre in Holyhead (the name means 'high town' in Welsh) is
having a fund-raising campaign, and I've agreed to present a weekend in
support. I paste below the flyer that has been produced for the event, which
includes contact details.

David Crystal Summer Weekend on the English
Language

For anyone interested in the English language and how it
works

Saturday and Sunday 19-20 August 2017

David Crystal presents a series of his talks on the
structure, use, and history of the English language in this two-day event, to
be held in the Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead, Anglesey, North Wales. See www.ucheldre.org for the setting.

Saturday evening is free, with the option of booking for
dinner at the Ucheldre Centre and an evening musical concert.

Day 2, 9.30 - 5.00

Language Variation and Change - talks
(including Q&A) on accents and dialects, the internet and texting, child
language acquisition, the future of Englishes, language play and literature,
and original pronunciation (with particular reference to Shakespeare).

On receipt of your reservation, you will be sent a
registration form which will include a place to inform the Centre of any
dietary/access requirements and whether you want to take up the dinner/concert
options, as well as details of local accommodation, restaurants, and (if you
want to bring family members) a list of Anglesey attractions.

Places are limited, so early booking is advised.

Nearest airports are Liverpool or Manchester; direct train
service (3-4 hours) from London Euston; by road, at the end of the A55; ferry
from Dublin.

Forthcoming lectures

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